Foraging in the Forest

[LuxyLucy 691]

 

 

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A REPORT ON THE BAND OF ST. TUVYA’S FIRST EXPEDITION.

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ISSUED BY LADY PRIMROSE KORTREVICH

c. 559 E.S.

 

 

 

Early in the day, on the 12th of this month, Joma ag Umund, a group of family and friends gathered at the behest of the young Lady Erika Kortrevich. The gathered members of the party - members of the fledgling Band of St. Tuvya -  would consist of Primrose Kortrevich, Andrei Kortrevich, Prince Joren, Nadya Weiss, Karl Weiss, Malna, an unnamed ice atronach along with a young girl by the name of Daisy.

 

Their goal was to set off to the Mangrove Marshes to the far Southwest of New Valdev, in search of the rare herbs of those lands to use in the ability to render aid upon the denizens of New Valdev. Much to their pleasure, this adventure would be sponsored by the Royal House of Barbanov-Bihar in thanks for its charitable mission.

 

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They made their way through the city, heading to the southern gate that aimed west towards the small destroyed town. Upon making their way across the bridge, they’d hurry their way towards the bank of the river. In which, a row of already prepared canoes would be set upon for them, to make their way down the river west.

 

It was a long voyage, along the ice covered river. Perilous in nature as they would guide their canoes past chunks of ice that had formed atop the slow moving parts of the river. As well as making their way down cascading rapids, until they had arrived into a larger expanse of water. Where the waters calmed once more.

 

As they were now in the calm open waters, Lady Erika would guide the band in her lead canoe southward. They’d gaze in awe upon a gigantic bridge of stoneworks that would cross the river. Their eyes followed its build, as they went under its shadow. Before they would begin to notice the water's color beginning to change, as sparse mangroves would begin to dot the water as a growing feeling of humidity filled the air. And the sun's heat became more noticeable.

 

They’d continue rowing in relief, as their destination came into sight. Though at that moment, Nadya Weiss would remember, she needed to train once again in New Valdev and made her leave. The rest of the band would be greeted by pouring rain, in the humid marshes. As their canoes would hit landfall, or well sludgefall. As they’d push against the muddy banks of land.

 

The merry band of now eight, would make their exit out of the canoes. And be instantly met with the muddy sludge, their boots sinking into it. As they’d with much strain, battled against the suction of the mixture of dirt and liquid. Would make it up to stronger soils, further up the bank. Their clothing, already dreading its greeting with the marshes. As they’d already be drenched in the rain, and covered in mud.

 

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Lady Erika would address her soiled band of followers, despite her physical status, she’d remain excited to deliver her quest, upon the band of loyal followers. As they all would reciprocate interest in their leader's words. They were to stick close, in the heavy rain and darkness, that began to shroud them. With the setting sun, it’d grow more difficult for them to navigate the lands. They were to keep their eyes peeled, for a glimpse of the orange flower Mandragora.

 

And with that, they would set off deep into the swamp. Trekking through mud and pushing past vines, as the noises of the dark overtook them. The roaring of rain, the light breeze rushing through their hair, as insects chirped and other creatures slithered as well as scurried around them, large beady eyes staring at them. As they trekked, through the harsh environment.

 

As they made their way through, the whole band would look in surprise, upon a gigantic fungus. A mushroom spiraling up past the canopy of mangroves, in wondrous allure. Perhaps too much, as a member of their band Malna, would hurry over to take a bite right off the side of the fungi. Much to the horror of the band, as Karl Weiss would hurry to stop her, but it was too late as she munched upon it. Making no complaint  then, as she’d seem much to their surprise, quite alright.

 

After those miraculous events, Lady Erika’s gaze would settle upon the herb she seeked. Hurrying her way over towards it, as she would explain to her band of followers, what to do for their safety, in extracting it. Going to cover her face with her scarf, as she’d look away to avoid the plant's spores. Tugging upon it then, to varied success but she still got what she seeked, as the band cheered in joy upon their success.

 

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After such, Lady Erika would delegate the task of leading the adventuring band to Lord Andrei. Of which he would accept, as he’d march forward to guide the band, through the harsh elements. The weather slowly let up then, as they trudged through the swamp. Before eventually, they would all spot Hiding Moss. It clung to the shrouded part of one of the mangroves trees.

 

Lady Erika would explain to them then, the nature of Hiding Moss. How it expands when it is introduced to light. So to contain it, you set it within a ceramic container and cork it at the top, to conceal it from light. lest, it would break the container. After the lesson, the band would break out into a fit of teasing and joy. As a frog then would hop around them, all in a flitter of whimsy.

 

After their whimsical affairs, the band would begin their long journey back home. Retracing their steps through the quagmire of swampy mush, as they got back to their canoes and would begin their rowing, back to New Valdev.

 

Upon their arrival, the Kortreviches, alongside their cousin Lady Nadya Weiss. Would be welcomed into the Kastell Lesanov and offered royal hospitality along with the thanks of the King, for their successful mission. And they all sat and ate in revelry, now that they may rest, after their arduous journey.

 

END OF REPORT.

 

 

 

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HER LADYSHIP, PRIMROSE EMELYA KORTREVICH,

The “Rose” of Kortrevich

 

[sarahbarah 7105]

Emma's eyes gleamed as she read her daughter's report, hands delicately clutching the edges of the gilded document.  Every bit of her pride was palpable.

[Toffee 2843]

Erika returned from that voyage waterlogged and muddy but beaming, glad to have gone on an adventure with her siblings and friends. She had even managed to harvest mandragora without drowning, which she considered a bonus! Reading Primrose's account of the events had her even more excited for the next trip.

[KillerMaid 636]

Malna, the one who ate the mushroom, and found it quite pleasant is wondering what cooking properties it may have.... though she is a bit embarrassed her blunder is now on an official document of sorts.